In economic development, it's often said that companies don't locate to a city or a state; they locate to a community. In South Carolina, we have an abundance of warm, welcoming communities. Our job is to help them prosper and succeed, no matter their size or location. That's why S.C. Commerce collaborates with local leaders across South Carolina to bring opportunities to our rural areas.
With approximately 20 percent of the state's labor force residing in non-urban counties, the continued advancement of our rural communities is critical. Recognizing that, this March, local officials from across the state will gather in Orangeburg for the 29th Annual South Carolina Rural Summit. Featuring a keynote address from entrepreneur, author and philanthropist John Hope Bryant, the annual event allows state and community leaders an opportunity to gather and discuss best practices, challenges and the future of rural South Carolina. Through this collaboration and discussion, we'll be able to maximize on the potential of our rural communities, ensuring a competitive future for each and every one of our counties.